Superintendent’s Message
 

Building Stronger Transition Programs: 
 Union Sanborn to Southwick - Elementary to Middle - Middle to High

 For 2007-2008

8^th Graders Making the Transition to Winnisquam Regional High School

On Friday, May 25^th, the High School hosted the first annual High School Simulation, a day for current 8^th graders to spend an entire day participating at WRHS as a typical high school student.  The students reported directly to the high school and were welcomed by High School Student Council members and faculty members.  The students met the incoming Principal and Assistant Principal during a brief meeting before starting their schedules for the day. 

All students attended a full day of high school classes accompanied by their 8^th grade homeroom teachers.  Faculty members provided meaningful lessons in English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Physical Education.  Tours were provided by Student Council members to help familiarize students with their new school.  Students and some parents also attended a guidance session that reviewed WRHS requirements and extracurricular activities.  Students also had lunch and learned about the WRHS Mentoring program.

This inaugural program was a great success and feedback was overwhelmingly positive.  Many thanks are extended to all who made this day possible:  Denise Lessard, the Class of 2011; WRHS students; WRHS Student Council; WRMS & WRHS Office Personnel, Health Services, Administrators, and Food Service Personnel; WRHS Facilities Personnel; First Student Transportation;  WRMS 8^th Grade Team; the entire WRHS Faculty.

5^th Graders Making the Transition to Winnisquam Regional Middle School

On Friday night, June 1^st, from 5 to 8 pm, fifth graders were invited to a special evening to get to know the layout of their new school and to continue the friendships begun by SCS and SS students at Environmental Camp.  The evening started with students being sent on a Treasure Hunt to discover all the places that they might need to go to during a typical school day (library, office, and various classrooms).  During dinner, students had the chance to ask current sixth graders about life at the middle school.   They also had an opportunity to try to unlock combination locks (using locks and lockers were a major 5^th grade concern).

The evening continued with groups of twenty students visiting the sixth grade classrooms and participating in an activity about the rights of individuals.  The problem emphasized the importance of using words to solve differences and promoted an awareness of being fair to all.   Dave Tryon and eighth grader, Audriana Mekula, spoke to students about the YNOT program and the importance of becoming involved in all of the various after school programs that the middle school offers.

Students were surveyed about their experience and overwhelmingly agreed that this has helped them to feel more comfortable entering their new school.  Special thanks to the following people for making this night such a successful program: Tom Croteau, Sandie Sterling, Suzanne Penney, Cenanne Sanders, Chuck Slayton, Patrick Troy, Shannon Kruger, Chris Hampe, Joanna Marcotte, Suzan Gannett, Jessie Strid, Jane Kemmerer, Dave Tryon and our sixth grade ambassadors.

2nd Graders "Stepping Up" from Union Sanborn to Southwick 

Southwick School sponsored a "Step Up Day" for students from Union Sanborn School on Wednesday, June 6^th at 1:15.  Mr. Hines welcomed all second grade students in the cafeteria.  Students were introduced to the third grade teachers.  (In May, third grade teachers from Southwick went to Union Sanborn school and met with the second grade students to inform them about what to expect in third grade.) 

Teachers reviewed their classroom expectations for behavior and academics, the daily schedule, and specials that they have each week.  Teachers had a fun hands-on activity for the students to work on and take back to Union Sanborn School at the end of the 45 minute transition time.

Thank you to all the staff members who worked together to make this a positive experience for the incoming second grade students next year.